Gallen’s free to take on the Kiwis

The lack of force in Paul Gallen’s blow to Josh McGuire’s neck at the weekend has saved the Cronulla captain from missing his 32nd Test for Australia on Friday night in Newcastle.

The NRL’s Match Review Committee did not consider Gallen’s forearm fell under the category of unnecessary conduct, or was hard enough to cause injury to McGuire, thus clearing him to line up for what could be his last Test in Australian colours.

They did however issue Gallen, who has played more than 250 NRL games, with a “concerning action” notice –effectively a warning.

Gallen and McGuire “kissed and made up” when they joined Mal Meninga’s Kangaroos camp, both laughing off the incident, which some speculated could cost the NSW Origin skipper his Test spot.

“We were into each other the whole game and it was a good contest,” said Gallen when asked about the incident.

“Him being one of the best young front-rowers on the scene I wanted to let him know I was still around.”

McGuire had no hard feelings.

“He gave me a bit of a noogy, but that’s part of football,” the young Bronco said.